Tech Talk

November 2005

Strike Fighter Engine Team Gains Assist

Edited by Robert H. Williams

The GE Rolls-Royce fighter engine team has selected BAE Systems of Johnson City, N.Y., to produce digital electronic controls for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.

Officials said as many as 5,000 controls may be produced for these sleek, next generation aircraft by 2030.

Expected to enter military inventories in the next several years, the F-35 is intended to replace the AV-8B Harrier, A-10 Warthog, F-16, and F/A-18 Hornet. U.S. and United Kingdom military forces will receive three versions of the supersonic, multi-role, stealth aircraft.